Our prediction for this Africa Cup of Nations 2024 match:
Nigeria
Match Time & Date:
09/06/2022
12:00 PM
Prediction: 2-0
Sierra Leone
Nigeria will be aiming to kick off their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in style when they host Sierra Leone to their Abuja National Stadium on Thursday. The Super Eagles did well to qualify for the 2022 World Cup finals, but they have big ambitions for the AFCON qualifiers as well.
All Sanusi, Shehu, Etebo, Okechukwu, Yusuf, Tijani, Sadiq, Okoje, and Chukwueze have been omitted, with Leicester City ace Kelechi Iheanacho missing out as well. In his absence, a man to watch in the home team will be fellow Premier League winger Alex Iwobi. Sierra Leone face an uphill task in their opener, and even though they shared the spoils with Nigeria in each of their previous two meetings in competitive matches, we are tempted to put our money on the home side.
Highlighted Player (Alex Iwobi):
Alex Iwobi is one of the most talented African footballers. The Nigerian football player was born in Lagos on May 3, 1996, but he moved to Arsenal at the age of 8. In 2015 he made his first-team debut for the Gunners, starting in a 3-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup.
Speaking of his Premier League debut, Alex Iwobi played his first game for Arsenal in a 3-0 victory over Swansea City in October, 2015. The pacey winger played for England at youth level, but he eventually went on to play for Nigeria. Iwobi made his senior debut with the Super Eagles on October 8, 2015, coming as a substitute for Ahmed Musa in a 2-0 loss to DR Congo.
On October 7, 2017 the Arsenal footballer scored the winner for Nigeria against Zambia (1-0) which helped the Super Eagles book their place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. Speaking of his individual trophies, Alex Iwobi was named CAF Young Player of the Year 2016.
Highlighted Team ():
